Alex Albon believes McLaren could “easily cover” Max Verstappen‘s late Formula 1 title charge by prioritising one driver, but understands the team’s hesitation to do so.
Verstappen comes into this weekend’s Mexico City Grand Prix having secured three victories in the past four races to reignite his championship challenge this season.
The Dutchman’s unexpected resurgence has seen him close to 40 points behind Oscar Piastri, who holds a 14-point advantage over McLaren team-mate Lando Norris.
That has prompted suggestions that McLaren should back one driver over the other to ensure that it takes the crown, but the team’s top brass has shut that idea down.
Albon has expressed that the Woking-based squad’s unwavering commitment to handing both drivers equal opportunities despite Verstappen’s threat is commendable.
“It’s a good track for him here, that’s for sure,” he told media including Motorsport Week, referring to Verstappen’s unrivalled five wins at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez.
“It’ll be interesting [for] to me to see how McLaren have to play, because they’re still playing both drivers into the championship.
“But at the same time, you could possibly easily cover him off if you prioritise one driver. But I think what they’re doing is fair and they shouldn’t do that.”
Albon backs Verstappen to take title to the last race
Albon is convinced that, given Verstappen’s momentum since Red Bull introduced crucial upgrades to the RB21, the title will likely now be decided at the final race.
“So it is going to come down to the wire,” the Anglo-Thai driver, who raced alongside Verstappen at Red Bull, continued.
“It seems like they’ve got a good momentum right now. Their upgrade seems to be working. The floor update, I think it was Monza.
“You can never count Max out, that’s for sure.”
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